(RNS) I’ve never taken ashes before, because I didn’t want anyone to judge me for my beliefs. I didn’t want anyone to see. But this year will be different. For the first time, I will show up at church for services, step up to the pastor and present my forehead for the mark.

TRENTON, N.J. (RNS) In his ruling, Superior Court Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr., wrote that conversion therapy is a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act because it describes homosexuality as a mental illness, or disorder.

(RNS) In some places, whites seem to be on a mission to preserve the benefits of white privilege, even if that means gun violence, police brutality, unfair sentencing and the languishing of urban schools.

ROME (Reuters) “It would be perilous for us, as leaders of the Church, to consider that the scandal of clergy sexual abuse is for the most part a matter of history and not a pressing concern here and now,” said Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley.

CAIRO (RNS) The families of the victims had been holding protests and meetings since the abductions in an effort to prod the Egyptian government to secure their release but had received little support or information, according to people in contact with the families.